Real Madrid's Champions League icon Pepe has made history as the oldest outfield player in the history of the competition.
The veteran defender played the full 90 minutes as Porto secured a vital 4-1 win away at Royal Antwerp on Wednesday evening – at the record-breaking age of 40 years and 241 days.
The former Portugal international, who won the competition three times during his final four seasons at the Bernabeu, is now looking to lead his current side to the knockout stages after two wins from their opening three matches.
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Fittingly, Pepe made his debut in the competition wearing the famous blue shirt of Porto way back in the 2004/05 season 19 years before becoming a record breaker.
After leaving Porto for Real Madrid in 2007/08, he stayed in Spain for 10 full seasons winning a total of 13 trophies.
He spent two years at Besiktas before returning home, since winning a third and fourth Primeira Liga championship as well as six more domestic cups.
Where does Pepe rank among the best defenders in recent memory? Tell us in the comments section below.
One fan said in response: "Age is just a number for Pepe." A second added: "What a career Pepe has had. Amazing stats when you actually take a closer look into them."
A third agreed: "That's pretty impressive, to be playing at that age at that level." A fourth added: "Ageing like fine wine."
The previous record had been held for 17 years by former AC Milan defender Alessandro Costacurta, who retired back in 2007 after 21 years at the club.
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Pepe's current contract at Porto runs until the end of the season after he extended it earlier this year.
He looks certain to extend his own record until at least the end of the group stages and potentially past his 41st birthday.
However, he has a long way to go should he fancy breaking the overall record, with former Lazio stopper Marco Ballotta playing past his 43rd birthday.
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